Tag Archives: ideas

Feb21

Feeling Off? 4 Simple Steps To Getting Back On Track

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Feeling Off? 4 Simple Steps To Getting Back On Track

It happens to most of us, doesn’t it? Whether it’s due to stress at work, home, or something of our own accord that has skidded down a slippery slope, we have all had a wobble with our overall well being at one time or another. And, if you have been lucky to have not hit a sticky patch in your life so far, you’ve probably been close to someone who has to some degree.

It’s not the greatest feeling in the world, as we know, and it’s not the easiest place to escape from. Even if you’re at a stage where you’re struggling to overcome the obstacle in your life, and others are telling you that it’s much simpler than you think, it’s understandable that you still can’t quite crack the code. Something so very annoying and confusing can be unlocked, however, but things like this take time, and the solution won’t arrive straight away. Here are a few simple things to think about when trying to improve your overall health:

Make A Plan:

It doesn’t have to be the most complex of plans. It can be a simple as a weekly routine that could keep you organized so that you know what to do at certain times. For example, if you’re looking to clear up your eating habits, you can jot down a certain rigid time that you’ll eat every day. Keeping a scheduled routine can help you to worry less and also feel as though you’re heading on the right track to achieving your goal.

Getting Back On Track And Staying There:

We’ve talked about the idea of realization and preparation, and now it’s time to act on what you’ve been preparing for. Taking that concrete step into the world of a new diet, mindset, or into a stage of recovery may seem scary, but it’s more comfortable than you think. It could merely be a change in calories or as big a move as biting the bullet and getting help from drug and alcohol rehab centers. This step could take you into your new life and, when looking back, you might see it as the pivotal moment when things began to improve.

Nutrition:

Food! Getting the correct food into the body won’t just help you physically reach the stage you want, it’ll help you out mentally. Having knowledge of nutrition in your life can save you. It doesn’t have to be a strict routine of every health food known to man – you can have a cheat day once a week to keep moral nice and high!

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 That salad looks so good!

Getting Enough Exercise:

Exercise is often played up as the ultimate killer of mental health problems – while that’s not entirely true, it’s still a significant factor in tackling some of the issues and creating overall happiness. It’s, of course, also very beneficial to your body and, if you want to keep that ticker going for as long as you can, getting the blood pumping from even the most moderate of walks around the block can help.

The post New Year’s Resolution funk or a current rough patch can make us feel tired and just downright blah. Use the tips above to help get yourself back on track!

 Featured Image By: Unsplash

Feb20

Lil Red’s Fresh Face Tips & Tricks

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Lil Red’s Fresh Face Tips & Tricks

Hiii! Since I posted some no makeup selfies on Facebook and on the blog, I have had a lot of people inquire about my skin care routine. I have to say that I’m flattered, because I do take really good care of my skin and my complexion is something that I’ve always liked about myself. I have never had a pimple in my life, and I thank the stars for that. I always tell people that if I had to deal with acne during the major brunt of my mental health struggles during my teenage years, I honestly don’t know if I would be here today.

That sounds extreme, but it’s the truth. If skin problems was something that I was going through during teenager-hood (Which is completely normal!) on top of everything else, that might have been the straw that broke the camel’s back. So, from about freshman year on, I’ve stuck to a very strict skin care regimen and it works! And, now I am going to share some of my tips and tricks with all of you.

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1) Double Wash

I have been double washing my face during my morning showers for years and I think that is one of the main reasons for my clear skin. Depending on what products I have handy, I will use a regular old cleanser and then a scrub or a charcoal facial bar. I’m bad, and I don’t take my makeup off at night, so I know that I need some extra cleansing power to get all of the gunk off from the previous day. And, whether you take your makeup off or not, a double wash is still good to get off any grime or dead skin lingering around that the first wash doesn’t always remove.

If your skin is sensitive, then a second wash can be incorporated every other day or every third day to prevent yourself from drying out. And, make sure the products you’re using are creamy in texture. But, if your skin is normal or problematic, give yourself a daily double wash and see what happens!

2) Skin Care

I don’t have a magic face mask or home remedy, but I do have some skin care products that I couldn’t live without. After I double wash in the shower my skin care routine goes as follows:

Micellar water: I start with wiping my face down with micellar water to act as a toner and get my skin fully ready to make the best use of the next three products I apply.

Serum: A good serum is a must. I always recommend using something with Vitamin C, gold, or anything with the words “rejuvenating” or “revitalizing” in it. All of the previously listed things will help with brightening your skin, giving you a youthful glow. This is when you know your skin care is working right.

Eye cream: I’ve been using eye cream since high school and I swear by The Body Shop’s Nutriganics cream. Wrinkles, crows feet, and dark circles around your eyes can really age you, so it’s crucial to work in an eye cream to your regimen if you don’t have one already. It’s all about youthfulness, after all!

Moisturizer: And, finally, a moisturizer. This will complete your skin care routine by giving you a peaches and cream finish. But, do be sure that you’re not over hydrating your skin, which can lead to oiliness. It’s all about balance. If I’m using a thicker, oil based serum, I stick with a lighter moisturizer. But, if the serum I’m using at the time is thinner, then I go with a heavier moisturizer to make sure I’m still getting hydrated. Also, pay attention to the weather. You might have to go with a heavier moisturizer during the cooler months and something lighter during the summer.

3) Hydrate!

I’m sure everyone tells you this, but water, water everywhere is a must for glowing and clear skin. It helps detoxify your body and it keeps your skin from getting dried out. And, then, people wonder why they are having skin issues if all they do is drink sugary beverages all day. I try to drink at least three to four bottles of water a day. It’s great for your skin and it might help you lose a little weight, too. What could be better?!

4) Makeup Mindfulness

The last thing we will be talking about is makeup mindfulness. Be aware of what you’re using when you’re painting your face and notice the reaction your skin is having. No makeup should be making your skin feel oily or greasy. And, be careful of the amount you use on your face. When you really cake a foundation or powder on, it basically suffocates your skin and makes it very easy for gunk to get trapped in your pores.

This is not to say to walk around with no makeup on every day. And, if applying your makeup heavily is what gives you confidence, then do it up. But, just be on the look out for any changes in your skin. If you start breaking out or if you’re starting to feel oily, it might be your makeup that’s causing the problem.

Will the above tricks work for everyone? Maybe. But, they definitely work for me and I had to give the people what they asked for! So, hopefully they will come in handy for you, too.

What are some of your tips and tricks for clear skin? Will you be implementing any of the suggestions above? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb13

How To Make Supplements A Regular Part Of Your Diet

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How To Make Supplements A Regular Part Of Your Diet

Dietary supplements are an important part of a modern day, healthy lifestyle. As eating habits change, they bridge the gap between the body and its deficiencies. Plus, they help people work out harder for longer and that leads to a decrease in stress, cholesterol, and blood pressure. There is no doubt supplements are important, but taking them regularly is tough. Not only are they easy to forget, but some of them can be pretty disgusting. Anyone who has tried any oil based supplements will understand!

With that in mind, here are a few tips on making supplements a regular part of your diet easier:

Pop Them With Food:

A routine is the best way to take supplements regularly as it acts as a trigger. As soon as the clock strikes a certain time, for example, you open the drawer, place the pill on your tongue, and swallow. Sometimes, time flies by so clocking when to gulp down cod liver fish tablets isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. A basic solution is to take them with food. Seeing as the average person eats three times a day, it means you’ll have three opportunities to add nutrients to your system.

Add Them To Smoothies:

Because of the taste, you may not want to take them straight. Thankfully, smoothies are on hand to help mask the flavor so that they go down easily. You can add something like CBD oil to any drink, but a smoothie works well because it’s a mix of ingredients. If the supplement comes in pill form, the blending part of the prep will merge it with the rest of the drink. Just make sure to give it a good stir before drinking it to stop it from settling at the bottom. It won’t get rid of the taste altogether, but this trick should help.

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Make Supplement Recipes:

Another problem is the monotony. Routines are good to a point, yet people often get stir crazy. The last thing you want to do is to make a smoothie as you’ve done for the last couple of weeks; it feels like Groundhog Day. There are ways to incorporate supplements into tasty treats to spice things up a little. This beta hydroxybutyrate gummy bear recipe is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Okay, it doesn’t contain refined sugars but it will still hit the spot. There are also popsicles!

Take Them In The Morning:

If you pop a supplement in the morning, you’ll be set for the rest of the day. Sure, doing them several times a day is helpful but it isn’t a must. Depending on the type of health products you’re using, you may only need to take them once anyway. By doing it in the morning, you can get the process out of the way and begin to enjoy the benefits of them sooner. This is an especially good idea if you are taking a supplement like Endo-met Labs Megapan to help boost your metabolism. A morning dose can provide a welcome energy enhancement to perk you up and set a positive trajectory for the day.

Hopefully, these tips will help you to succeed and live a healthier lifestyle!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb8

Wig Hair Trends For 2019

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Wig Hair Trends For 2019

Going bald is no longer the only option for women with alopecia and other conditions. With the plethora of options available for wigs, women can enjoy the latest beauty trends with all of the flair of their hair-growing sisters. Here are some of the latest trends of wigs for women in 2019:

Glossy Hair:

Moving from Instagram to the mainstream populace, glossy hair is a super shiny finish on hair. Wigs are easy to style, clean, and care for. This trend is easy to do with the wigs for women with alopecia Chicago. Use on a new one or one you already own.

Blunt Bobs:

The blunt bob is back thanks to celebrities such as Karlie Kloss and Kendall Jenner. Wig companies are matching the style of the shorter version of the mid-length boyfriend bob for a sassy and chic look.

Big Hair:

Bring back not the big hair of the ‘80s but the pumped-up volume of the ‘60s. Style long or medium length with a round brush and blow dryer to achieve maximum lift at the roots. A simple style to achieve with your wig.

Long Layers:

Long layers seem to always be in fashion. Longer layers are available for you to capitalize on the flowing locks of your dreams. Available in super straight or multi-layered, long hair is now a mainstay in the wig industry.

Lovely Lilac:

Lilac is the trendy new color in hair. Many wig companies are offering bolder and brighter colors to match the mainstream hair industry. Whether you go pastel or jewel toned, this hair packs a punch!

Grey Hair:

Grey is growing in popularity and not just among older women. The age-inclusive color has been used as a highlight, wash, and in stripes for various effects. You can be any age to take advantage of the classically cool color.

Wig manufacturers work hard to match the latest styles and trends. If you’re looking to update, buy a new one, or it’s your first purchase, then follow these latest hair trends for inspiration!

Feb6

Must Read Tips For Musicians In 2019

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Must Read Tips For Musicians In 2019

For every musician, a main goal at the beginning of every year is to get better at your music and make a greater impression in the industry. No matter what level you’re at, we hope these tips will help you:

Online mastering:

To ignore the process of audio mastering is to make a massive mistake. A lot of people confuse mixing and mastering with one another. However, they are two completely different processes. Mastering is the final stage in the music production process. It tightens, defines, and polishes the piece of music without altering the sound excessively. It can bring a clarity and a punch which no amount of mixing can achieve. To release a piece of music without it would essentially mean you were bringing out an incomplete track.

Nonetheless, the reason why people still overlook mastering is because they see it as a hassle and an expense. Not everybody has the capability of getting down to the studio in question nor do they have the money available to pay the extortionate hourly rates charged by many mastering professionals today. However, you need not worry about any of this anymore. There are online mastering services available, which are cheaper and much easier too.

SEO:

Both SEO and website design affect the success of any musician today. Since your campaigns will be tailored to bringing more people to your website and converting them from visitors into actual fans, you need to pay great attention to the overall feel and look of your site. A poorly designed website can be an instant turn off and is something you will need to outsource if you don’t have the skills to do it yourself. To begin finding a professional that is a good fit for you, simply enter a search for “web design in Huntsville” (or your local area) and you will be able to see online portfolios, reviews, and more. Similarly, you must work to ensure your website is visible, hence the need for professional SEO.

For online marketing success, you should, therefore, work with an expert SEO consultant. Their service should provide you with quality content to post on your website, including, for example, information about you, your gigs, and so on. You should also ensure that you are adding videos and images (where required) on top of your text. After that, you can, with the help of the consultant, focus on marketing your website to the target market. Search engine optimization is important to your overall online marketing plan. Stay away from easy options and ‘quick tricks’ because search engines are now smarter than ever before. They know all the tricks you will try to pull, including poor-quality content that is stuffed with keywords. So, focus on quality content using tested SEO strategies, or by working with full SEO and marketing services to attain the best results.

It is also worth looking for marketing packages that have been specifically tailored to the music industry. Targeting potential fans and record companies is a lot different than trying to drum up customers for a retail business, for example. You can find Soundcloud promotion packages, which are great for any musician. These packages are designed to ensure your music gets heard by the right people. While packages differ from supplier to supplier, you will generally find that these companies will post your music across different platforms, from blogs to social media pages.

We understand that this is a lot of information and it can feel overwhelming. Rest assured that all of these marketing aspects do not need to be completed at once. Set your own pace with A beginners guide to music publishing and do what you know you can accomplish. Then, you can outsource for the areas that you know you need help with.

Invest in quality equipment:

Investing in professional studio equipment should be something to think about early on in your music career. That way you can plan ahead and expand the equipment as your career moves forward. It is also cheaper to do it in bits, rather than suddenly have to find the cash for a complete top-of-the-range kit. As well as your instrument, you will want a decent pair of headphones, a computer, and look at Aeros Loop Studio vs Boss RC-505 for your looper. Depending on how far you intend to go, things like good soundproofing and a dedicated music studio might also be on the list.

Alexander Technique:

Another tip for musicians in 2019 is to try the Alexander Technique. You may have heard about this before. It is a method that was developed in the 1980s by Matthias Alexander. It is designed to promote overall well-being through increasing your awareness of posture so that your body experiences minimal effort and strain.

Instead of maintaining ease and using the fluid techniques required, musicians restrain themselves with muscular tension during a soft passage, for instance. This is just one example of a common overreaction. Over time, such action can result into regular misuse, which can cause injuries. This is where the Alexander Technique comes in. It will help you to find the right balance so that you can play an instrument with greater ease, while protecting your body and improving your music in the process.

There are lots of different ways that you can improve your efforts in 2019. If you are a musician, whether you have much experience or not, use the tips that have been provided in this guide so that you can achieve more throughout the year!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Feb1

Don’t Let Your Disability Define Your Life

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Don’t Let Your Disability Define Your Life

Disability is something that has been defining people for years and years. There’s, sadly, still so much bullying and hate that we just can’t stand to think of. Because those with disabilities deserve support the most. Not support to live their lives, but support to help them believe they can live their lives on their own, without carrying around that label of having a disability. If carrying around a label is something you feel like you’ve been doing all your life, it’s time to rip it clean off. There are so many things you can do with your life, and so many things your mind can think if you don’t let your disability define you. Some of which, we want to talk about today. It’s the perfect time to think about how the rest of this year is going to be totally different. Have a read on to find out more:

The Mindset Of Other People:

This is a really important one that we wanted to start with, because we think that more often than not it’s the mindset of other people rather than yourself that’s holding you back. And, thankfully, we will say that there is now such a better understanding of the different disabilities out there, how they can affect the life of that person, and how they deserve to be treated. At the end of the day, even though our body’s or minds might be a little different, we still crave those basic human needs of love, affection, and normality. What we’re trying to say here is, if you ever come across someone who you know is being a bit awkward and standoffish because of your disability, simply try and educate them. Don’t be afraid to talk about your condition and express that you’re no different to anyone else in the things that you want out of life. If this doesn’t work, just walk away. You really don’t need negative people like that in your life, and you should gravitate as much as you can towards the people who are positive to you.

The Things You Think Will Hold You Back:

Finances are something that is talked about a lot in life and, disability or not, everyone goes through a struggle at some point. If you ever feel like you are in a rut with money, don’t be afraid to look at loans for people on disability with bad credit. It’s a quick way of getting that pick me up that you need, without having to worry about being rejected. We will promote safe lending and encourage you to always make sure that you’re only borrowing what you can, so that you don’t find yourself in more financial trouble further down the line.

The Life You Need To Think About Living:

The life you need to think about living is a free one. It’s a life where you’re out with your friends or family, making the best experiences for you to look back on when you get older. Don’t be that person who is always staying in on the weekend, because before you know it a whole life is passing you by. Going out for food or drinks, swimming, walking, going to the cinema… there is a world of things out there for you to do, you just need to have the motivation to go and do it. You might feel limited in what you can do compared to your other friends, but if they’re true friends they’ll be the ones encouraging you to do it. Surround yourself with the right people who are going to enrich your life. If you feel like you don’t have the right people in your life, it might be time to join a new crowd. Participate in clubs, do things you don’t usually do, and you’ll soon start to feel your mood lifting completely.

We know the world is changing so quickly and so is the views of disability, but let’s change how you view your world and its surroundings, too!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Feb1

4 Home Décor Doggy Dos And Don’ts To Live By

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4 Home Décor Doggy Dos And Don’ts To Live By

Everybody wants the American dream – the job, the partner, and the house. Decorating is something homeowners take seriously because it impacts lives. Living in a dark, dingy property is bound to make you miserable. Likewise, renovating every other week and spending a small fortune on repair won’t help your stress levels. You want a dream home, and that means the interior has to be perfect.

Unfortunately, as a pet owner, this isn’t always easy. As well as being cuddly and adorable, dogs are messy and can cause havoc. One minute they’re chilling and the next they’re chewing anything in sight. Even when pooches are happy and relaxed, the hair from their fur cramps your home’s style. Yep, it isn’t straightforward to be an animal lover and a fashionista at the same time. But, with home décor dos and don’ts for dogs, you can finally live in peace without fear of coming home to a scratched-up sofa. Here’s what to do and what not to do:

Don’t: Splurge Too Much

It’s nice to splurge on furniture or rugs; it helps to turn the house into a home. The problem, is that dogs aren’t clean freaks and they will tread things through the house, especially in the winter. What you’re left with is a permanently stained armchair or shag rug, which will be marked forever. No matter what you do, nothing will lift the stain so it’s money down the drain.

Cheap alternatives might not look as good but they are easier to replace. Plus, the fabrics aren’t as thick or deep so the marks tend to come out with the help of baking soda and warm, soapy water. If you do buy something expensive that you want to preserve, make sure it comes with a guarantee.

Of course, you can spend money on features that are expensive yet don’t have the same risk. Tiles are perfect examples. High-quality tiles are costly and instantly boost the appeal of a home, and they don’t leave permanent stains. Thanks to the texture, dirt and grime are straightforward to wipe off with a little bit of elbow grease.

Do: Put Breakables Out Of Reach

Most homes have things that are fancy and expensive. They are also fragile and break at the slightest touch. With a canine jumping up and down, they are perilous objects to decorate with unless they are in a safe place. That means, putting them out of reach where nobody, not even a playful Labrador, can get to them.

First, place breakable items on shelves. As long as the shelves are a couple of feet from the ground, they should be secure yet still in your eye line. Another option, is to hang them from the walls. Hanging art is the new thing for pet owners as they create a dramatic feel and are out of your pet’s reach. https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160718/midtown/hang-heavy-pictures-mirrors-objects-how has more.

Last but not least, don’t forget about cabinets. Because they’re sturdy, they’re hard to push over or knock down. But, thanks to the glass, you can still put your delicate features on display so that the interior doesn’t take a hit. Put one in the corner of the room up against a wall to make it doubly safe from energetic canines.

Don’t: Leave Furniture Uncovered

Furniture is often the focal point of any room. Walk into the kitchen, living room, or bathroom and the first thing you’ll notice are the fixtures. So, it’s imperative that they are in as good a condition as physically possible for a long time. Furniture doesn’t come cheap and homeowners don’t want to replace them regularly. The good news, is that covers are available which prevent dogs from making a mess.

Slipcovers aren’t the most attractive accessories in the world, but they do make a difference. From scratches to marks to bodily functions, the plastic sheet bears the brunt of the damage. Owners whose pooches suffer from a lack of bladder training might want to check out https://petparentsbrand.com/products/dog-belly-bands. There are some things slipcovers can’t prevent that doggie diapers can.

To spruce things up, you can swap slipcovers for throws and blankets. As long as they don’t potty everywhere, a throw is a perfect protector. Plus, it’s machine-washable so you don’t have to throw it out when it gets dirty. Put it in the washing machine and it will come out as good as new. Https://www.thespruce.com/great-pet-friendly-fabrics-1976777 is an excellent source of inspiration if you need it.

Do: Be The Boss

Although there are ways to limit the damage, the best course of action is to take control. As the owner, the dog should listen to your commands. This doesn’t mean you need to be a dictator; more you should set rules they have to follow. There is still some flexibility as long as they are in the right place. Take a doggy corner as an example. Choose a part of the room where it doesn’t matter if they molt and get fur on the floor or mark with their muddy paws. A pet-zone gives you and your dog the ability to relax without always thinking about the furniture. Pick somewhere with a hardwood or laminate floor to avoid stains.

With a pet, there are precautions you have to take to maintain the décor in your home. Use the tips above to get your place chic AND pet friendly.

Jan30

Max Your Health & Happiness By Minimizing These 3 Things

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Max Your Health & Happiness By Minimizing These 3 Things

Balance is something that we all struggle to achieve in life. However, one way to produce more harmony is to get rid of or, at least, minimize the things that are doing us harm. A topic you can find out all about in the post below:

Social media:

I’m not saying social media is evil or anything, it’s just that it’s not always good for us, either. In fact, studies have shown that spending too much time on social media can aggravate anxiety and depression. After all, it’s easy to get caught up in gossip, drama, and comparing our lives to everyone else’s, as well!

With that in mind, it’s well worth minimizing the time that you spend on social media, even if you don’t cut it out completely. Happily, many phones now come with screen time controls that can be set to remind you to let go of your virtual life for a bit and live your real one, instead. Something that can help to make you both psychologically healthier and happier.

Over-trying:

Yes, it is possible to try too hard at things. So hard, in fact, that you put your mind and physical body under undue stress which can have a devastating effect on your health and happiness. To that end, it is a good idea to both know your own physical and mental limits as well as prioritize what is most important in your life and spend a more significant amount of effort on that. As humans, we can do anything, but not everything all at once!

Similarly, if you do find that you have caused yourself harm from pushing too hard either mentally or physically, it’s worth investing some time in rest, recuperation, and rehabilitation. For physical ailments, this may include accessing professional rehab services at your local clinic. While for mental overexertion a vacation or change of scenery may be in order, as well as coming up with strategies for minimizing stress that will ensure that you can cope better going forward. Yes, it may be hard to reduce or even minimize your effort in certain areas of life, but it could make all of the difference to your overall well being.

Worrying:

Now, worrying can be hard to cut out, especially if you tend to be an anxious person by nature. However, there is a way that you can prevent it from having such as hold on you and affecting your life. It’s all about getting to understand our thought and realizing that just because we think something, it doesn’t mean it’s true. Yes, this can be something that is tough to grasp at first because many of us tend to take the thoughts our brain generates at face value.

However, with activity such as meditation and CBT, we can gain some distance from our thoughts and learn to pick the ones that we choose to believe and act on. Something that can not only minimize the power of worry in our lives but also help us move towards a more healthy and happy way of living.

Maximizing the good and minimizing the things that cause us undue stress is the name of the game when it comes to increasing your well being!

Jan30

Using Keystone Habits To Build A Healthier Daily Routine

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Using Keystone Habits To Build A Healthier Daily Routine

We all have habits that we carry out every day. Some habits are healthy, such as going to bed early and drinking a lot of water. Other habits are not so healthy, e.g. smoking and snoozing the morning alarm ten times. The healthier habits we have, the better our day usually goes. Overall, this can add up to a much more productive, satisfying life. Those with healthy habits tend to achieve more, enjoy life more, and feel their best. Wouldn’t you like to be one of those people?

In this post, we’re going to focus on keystone habits. What’s a keystone habit? A keystone habit is a habit that can impact how you act the rest of the time. They are the habits that can spark chain reactions. If you’re still confused as to what this is exactly, we’re going to go through a few great keystone habits to pick up:

Making Your Bed In The Morning:

Making your bed in the morning takes mere seconds, but it’s a habit that can spark more productivity and a sense of achievement for the rest of the day. People who make their bed without fail get that sense of having completed something great before really getting the day started, and this can have a fantastic impact on mental attitudes.

Drinking A Pint Of Water Before Anything Else:

Drinking a pint of water rehydrates the body after a long sleep, flushes out toxins, and keeps us energized. Doing this before you have your daily coffee will get you off to a great start, and you’ll likely drink more water throughout the day as a result.

Exercising Earlier On In The Day:

This isn’t an essential keystone habit – some people prefer to exercise later on, and that’s fine. However, many people report feeling absolutely unstoppable after a morning workout and, of course, this can directly impact how much a person gets done during the rest of the day.

Journaling:

Journaling can free the mind from wandering and annoying thoughts. It can help you to spot patterns and come up with solutions. It can even help you to reduce your stress levels and increase your productivity! Journaling is a great way to cope with difficult times, too, so if you know you’re going to be heading somewhere like the radiation oncology department, journaling beforehand can help you to deal with your feelings and get into a more positive mindset.

Meditation:

Meditation is said to reduce stress and depression as well as improve sleep and creativity. Even just 5 minutes per day is better than nothing at all.

A Morning Routine That You Enjoy:

Getting up and starting the day with a total morning routine that you enjoy could give you a headstart on the day. For instance:

  • Brush your teeth and wash your face
  • Make your bed
  • Drink a pint of water
  • Read a chapter of a book with a coffee or tea
  • Work out
  • Eat a healthy breakfast
  • Shower and get ready for the day

Doing all of the above in succession will literally make you feel unstoppable and you’re far more likely to have a better day because of it! How will you use keystone habits to build a better daily routine?

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan30

The Surprising Side Effects Of Stress To Your Body

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The Surprising Side Effects Of Stress To Your Body

None of us are immune to stress. Problems with the boss. Issues within our families. Financial worries. These are just some of the factors that bring about the side-effects of stress. And when we say ‘side-effects,’ some of them will be of little surprise to you. Headaches, feelings of depression, and bodily aches and pains are some of the common symptoms of stress many of us experience.

However, there are other more surprising side-effects that stress causes to our bodies. You probably have experienced these before, and while you may not have attributed them to stress previously, you might after reading this article:

Skin Issues:

When stressed, your body produces more cortisol, and that can cause your skin to become oily and sensitive. As a result, you might notice a break out of acne, blisters, and eczema around your body. Psoriasis symptoms, Inspire have suggested, can also occur, and you might also have signs of vitiligo (white patches around your skin). While reducing your level of stress will alleviate these conditions, you should still see your doctor if they persist.

Tooth Pain:

Toothache is intolerable, and it is usually brought about by some of our worst bad habits, such as not brushing regularly and unhealthy eating. However, it can also be brought about by stress, as we are more prone to clenching and grinding our teeth in both our sleeping and waking hours. We might also experience jaw ache. The problem can be alleviated in the short-term with a mouth guard, but in the long-term, finding ways to cope with the stress we feel is crucial to prevent damage to our teeth. Not only will we stop clenching and grinding our teeth, but we might also be less prone to reaching out for those sugary items we use as comfort foods.

A Lower Immune System:

Stress produces the hormone corticosteroid, and that can suppress the effectiveness of your immune system. As a result, you will become more prone to colds and other viruses. So, if your boss has been wondering why you have been taking a lot of sick days recently, the fault may lie with him/her if they have been stressing you out at work. You can boost your immune system with stress-relievers, such as sleep, exercise, and healthy eating. You might also want to have a word with your boss about your workload if that has been a contributing factor.

Cold Hands & Feet:

Don’t turn up the heating just yet! Stress can cause you to experience cold hands and feet, no matter the warmth of your home. This is caused by the ‘fight or flight’ response that is activated by stress, which can bring about physiological changes to your body, such as the redirection of your blood flow. You can find out more here. So, if you have the heating on full, and are sitting with multiple pairs of gloves and socks on and still can’t get your hands and feet warm, then stress might be the reason for the problem. See your doctor for advice – there might be other reasons for cold hands and feet – but if you know you are stressed, look for ways to relax and calm your body too.

Stress manifests itself in many different ways. Have you ever experienced any of the above?

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